To the editor:

We’ve heard and watched Republican and Democratic conventions. There was bluster and noise from both parties that should be discarded. To their credit, both parties focused on important reasons why we want our votes counted. Top reasons for protecting our rights: America’s leadership for world peace, passing bipartisan immigration policy Senate Republicans rejected, lifting up American families earning lower and modest incomes and developing fair taxation policies.

Voting for candidates up and down the ballot will move America forward, protecting our freedoms and assuring all nations that America is still a world leader. Voting for forward-thinking candidates assures U.S. citizens their votes matter, guarantees people’s rights to affordable medical care, affordable housing, clean air and water, funding HeadStart, continuing child tax credits, the right to love who they love and to control their own bodies.

Voting to go forward welcomes refugees seeking legal asylum for opportunities to work and make life better for their families. Our legal system will remain intact _ our president’s Cabinet free from political pressure. Vote for freedom, rights and opportunities for everyone willing to work hard to earn those privileges.

Our choice is simple: Vote for suppression and stagnation or vote for rights, freedoms, opportunities and progress. The U.S.A. is the strongest nation in the world, full of promise and opportunity. But dark clouds are overhead. Will it storm or will the sun shine? Let’s vote to ignore divisiveness and choose opportunity. Vote for going forward. Vote!

Charley Crabtree,

Lawrence